IV.

IV.

‘Miracle at Wathyria’

Author's Note: Please don't even try to plagiarize, illegally copy this story (and its terminologies which are mentioned in the following/previous chapters) or even try to distribute a soft copy. Do not test me. Thank you.

Previously on ‘Tale of the Demon Ruler’: The stand-off between ‘Ryo’ and ‘Chester’s group finally stopped after ‘Sielo & Ceila’, along with ‘Lyon’, came back from the ‘Central District’. ‘Ches’ were trying to warn ‘Ryo’s group about their madness when Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’ picked an ugly toad up on the ground and placed it onto Kazuki’s head. Kazuki, then, panicked as he heard someone or rather Lady Va-al’s voice, thanking him for saving Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’. Meanwhile, back the ‘Imperial Academy’, Ms. Iysa was mourning for her dead lover under that mysterious tree when she met Rai’s group and ‘Mi’; ‘Mi’, then, began dancing as he summoned his two gigantic, ‘Earth Golems’, instructing them to take Mr. Ryu’s tree back to ‘Aethyria’. Rai had an important conversation with ‘Mi’ and ‘Ryo’ who literally threw his little brother at Rai’s forehead, making her more agitated. That night, Rai’s group finally arrived inside the ‘Imperial Court Head Quarters’ where Eito, Kazuki and Kenji #2 were waiting for her inside the Throne room.

‘Imperial Court Head Quarters’

‘Underground Prison’

West Hallway…

Ms. Julie and the others are still inside the same cell room, trying to assist Mr. Sean and Emi on the floor.

“Big brother, please stop scratching your swollen face!” Emi angrily said as she reprimanded Maki.

“I know! I know but my right cheek is so itchy – Hey! What are you doing, Mr. Sean?!” Maki nervously said as he flinched in fear.

“Everyone, I’m ready. Stand your ground.” Mr. Sean seriously said as he brought the syringe closer to Maki’s face.

“Hey – Mr. Physician, please stop! Get that syringe away – You are really enjoying this, aren’t you, Miko?” Maki angrily said as he shouted back at Miko.

“Yes, I do. Now, you two listen to me…Sir Hikaru will grab his right leg while I seize the left one and since Lady Emi has his right arm, Mayumi, you will grab and stop his left arm instead.” Miko cheerfully said as he instructed to Hikaru and Mayumi.

“S-Shall I also assist you, Mr. Physician?” Ms. Georgina nervously said as she approached Mr. Sean.

“Of course, you can, Ms. Georgina. Could you gently grab his head and steady it for me?” Mr. Sean said as he instructed to Ms. Georgina.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Physician. Now, Sir Maki, right? Please be a good child and do not move.” Ms. Georgina said as he grabbed Maki’s head and smiled back at him.

“Hey – Damn it! Mr. Sean, please stop this.” Maki said as he started wailing out.

“Everyone! On my count, one, two, three…seize him!” Mr. Sean said as he instructed to Miko’s group.

Miko’s was able to stop Maki’s movement as Mr. Sean began injecting the healing serum onto Maki’s swollen, right cheek.

“I’m done! Sir Maki, you can now move – Uh? Sir Maki?” Mr. Sean said as he wondered and then looked at Maki.

“Thank you very much, Mr. Physician. Hey – big brother, are you alright?” Emi cheerfully said as she started poking Maki’s right arm.

“Ow-Ouch! That was so excruciating!” Maki angrily said as he groaned and forcefully push Miko and the others away from him.

Miko’s group flinched in fear as each one of them rolled away from Maki; Miko and Hikaru were both forcefully kicked away and hit onto the wall while Emi, Mayumi and Ms. Georgina were also thrown out onto his sides.

“Sir Miko?! Lady Mayumi, are you alright?” Ms. Julie exclaimed as she approached Mayumi who accidentally rolled towards her.

“I’m fine. Thank you, Ms. Julie. Sir Maki is indeed the strongest.” Mayumi said as she sat upright on the floor.

“No, I’m not the strongest, Lady Mayumi. If I were to compare with Naoki, as much as I hate to say this and even though I can easily predict his lousy movements, Sir Naoki will immediately win on our fight.” Maki said as he sat upright on the floor.

“Ow-Ouch… My head hurts and was that really necessary, Maki?!” Emi angrily said as she groaned and approached Maki.

“A head butt?! Really - Oh my! Master Hikaru, please let me help you.” Ms. Georgina exclaimed as she approached Hikaru.

“Amazing…Sir Maki have managed to simultaneously push five people away from him and get loose on your calm grip. He is indeed strong.” Hikaru softly said as he scratched his head.

“If I may, Master…‘Aethyrians’, like us, are well known for having an unimaginable, physical strength just like those ‘Earth Golems’ possesses, making us the strongest villagers in the entire Kingdom.” Ms. Georgina proudly said as she smiled back at Hikaru.

“Everyone, are you alright? Sir Maki, why would you have do that?” Sir Yuki said as he approached and asked Maki.

“Well, that procedure was so painful and look at what happened to my face – Oh? It is not itchy and swollen anymore. Thank you very much, Mr. Sean.” Maki cheerfully said as he smiled back at Mr. Sean.

“Damn it, Maki! Look at what you have done to my favorite shirt…” Miko angrily said as he approached Maki.

“Big brother?! Big brother Miko, please calm down –“ Mayumi nervously said as she stood up and ran towards to Miko.

Along the Hallway…

Mr. Nile is seen running along this Hallway, searching for Sir Yuki and Mr. Carlo.

“Aha! There you are, Sir Carlo.” The exhausted Mr. Nile said as he approached Mr. Carlo.

“Huh? Mr. Nile, welcome back to the Head Quarters. What are you doing in here?” Mr. Carlo said as he asked Mr. Nile.

“On behalf of her Majesty, I came in here to tell you this message; she is hereby releasing both Sir Hikaru and Lady Mayumi out of this cell room while Sir Maki will be still detained inside until her group, accompanied by Sir Akito and Mr. Charlie, came back from ‘Wathyria’, tomorrow morning.” Mr. Nile said as he tells to Mr. Carlo.

Miko flinched in fear as he ran out of the cell room, followed by Mayumi, Hikaru and Ms. Georgina.

“What?! Her Majesty’s group already left?” Miko exclaimed as he approached and asked Mr. Nile.

“Ah – yes. Her group left an hour ago. They were probably at the ‘Central Airport’ right now.” Mr. Nile said as he reported to Miko.

“I-I see. Mayumi, let’s go. Lilia and the others are also waiting for us outside the Head Quarters.” Miko said as he started walking along the Hallway.

“Uh? Speaking of Lady Lilia’s group, they already left and accompanied her Majesty’s to the ‘Central Airport’ themselves.” Mr. Nile said as he reported to Miko.

“What?! I strictly told them to wait for us outside and then – Damn it! Mayumi, let’s go!” Miko angrily said as he ran away.

“I understand, big brother. Hey Hikaru, see you later.” Mayumi cheerfully said as she looked at Hikaru.

“Uh?! Just leave already. Sir Miko is already stomping away.” Hikaru nervously said as he got flustered.

“I knew it. You had a crush on her, don’t you? Your mother will be thrilled to hear this.” Ms. Georgina softly said as she giggled.

“S-Shut up! Let’s just leave before my mother send out Mikan or another messenger to drag me back to her apartment building situated inside the ‘Central District’.” Hikaru nervously said as he stomped away.

“Master Hikaru, please wait for me.” Ms. Georgina said as she ran away, chasing Hikaru inside the Hallway.

“Now, you heard Mr. Nile. You three, please get out of this cell room.” Sir Yuki said as he glares back at Emi and Ms. Julie.

“No! I – we do not want to! After those lonely months, our big brother finally returned back in the Kingdom and he also promised to me that – Uh? Is there something wrong, big brother?” ‘Emi’ said as she asked Maki who simply glares back at her.

“Which ‘Emi’ am I talking to?” Maki seriously said as he asked ‘Emi’ who flinched in fear.

“As far as I know, you only have one little sister so w-what are you talking about, Sir Maki?” Ms. Julie said as she got intrigued and asked Maki.

“Huh?! We do not understand what you are talking about. I’m leaving and see you later, big brother.” ‘Emi’ angrily said as she started stomping out of the cell room.

“Lady Emi, where are you going? Sir Carlo, could you chase and walk her back to Mr. Sean’s clinic inside the ‘Central District’?” Sir Yuki said as he asked Mr. Carlo.

“As you wish, your highness. Lady Emi, please wait for me.” Mr. Carlo said as he ran away, chasing Emi inside the Hallway.

“What the hell just happened?” Ms. Julie said as she wondered.

“That is just one of the negative side-effects of Lady Emi’s strange ‘Alementalian’ magic’. It is bad that my little brother and I were not capable enough to help her suppress those side-effects.” Mr. Sean sadly said as he grabbed his suitcase and stood up from the floor.

“It is actually my fault so please stop blaming yourself, Mr. Physician.” Maki sadly said as he lay down on the ground.

“But? You specifically sought out for our help and then – Damn it.” Mr. Sean said as he cursed out.

“Ah, yes! While being dragged inside the ‘Central District’, I finally remember that time when I was reading those news headlines written onto that bulletin board before. It goes like this: ‘Once again, another abduction case in ‘Wathyria’ was solved thanks to ‘Aethyria’s Mystery Duo: the ‘Royal Sleuth’, Sir Maki and his little assistant, Lady...’ and then, after our last job together, I ended up ruining Emi’s life.” Maki sadly said as he sighed in disappointment.

“Mr. Sean, we have to leave.” Sir Yuki said as he and Ms. Julie looked at him.

“I understand, Sir Yuki. I have to go, Sir Maki and before I leave, may I remind you that you should stop scratching your face or else you will see this thing again.” Mr. Sean said as he smiled back at Maki who flinched.

“Get that used syringe away from me and while we were being detained inside here against our will earlier, I thought of this: what the freaking hell does her Majesty wants from me?” Maki angrily said as he shouted out and wondered.

“Uh? Sorry but we do not know it either. Let’s just wait until her Majesty comes back from her official trip in ‘Wathyria’.” Ms. Julie said as she and Mr. Sean went out of the cell room afterwards.

‘Central Airport’

Inside the tarmac…

Lilia and Eito are seen gazing up in the night sky as his aerostat, along with Ms. Phoebe and Rai’s group inside it, slowly leaving the ‘Main Island.’

“Aha! I knew it. You have a crush on her Majesty, don’t you?” Lilia cheerfully said as she approached and pinched Eito’s right cheek.

“Crush huh? About that…I do adore her instead.” Eito seriously said as he turned around and looked at his older sister.

“Huh?! Seriously? Seeing you so serious about that thing makes me shiver in fear. Anyway, let’s go. Lady Annie finally stopped from crying beside Mr. Geno’s corpse.” Lilia sadly said as she tells to Eito.

“I understand. Butler George and I will go back to our family’s main aerostat and continue our inspection on it.” Eito said as he smiled back at Lilia.

“Then, Ms. Molly and I will try to console her, again. Ms. Molly, please follow me.” Lilia said as she and Ms. Molly carefully approached Ms. Annie.

“Why?! How could this happened? This is not fair! I’m so sorry, Uncle.” Ms. Annie angrily said as she continues to grovel on the ground.

“On behalf of Yoshiyuki family, I would like to express our deepest condolences to your family, Lady Annie.” Lilia sadly said as she gently pats Ms. Annie’s right shoulder.

“Thank you, Lady Lilia. But why?! Why would my Uncle has to die in this gruesome way?” Ms. Annie said as she wailed out and cried onto Lilia’s arms.

“Lady Annie…please calm down and listen to me. Her Majesty has asked me to give you this bouquet of gladioli flowers before her team went inside Sir Eito’s aerostat and left the ‘Main Island’, thirty minutes ago.” Ms. Molly said as she kneeled down on the ground and presented the bouquet to Ms. Annie.

“What?! Her Majesty came in here? And she left the ‘Main Island’?” Ms. Annie exclaimed as she wondered.

“Yes. She tried approaching you, hoping that she could console you but she must have thought that you need some privacy to be alone so she asked me to give you these flowers instead.” Ms. Molly said as she explained to Ms. Annie.

“I-I see. I should thank her personally after she came back from her official visitation trip in ‘Wathyria’.” Ms. Annie cheerfully said as she wiped off her tears.

“Big sister, Come in here, quick! Father – I mean Sir Eiko has finally woke up! Hurry! ” Mr. Ciyan exclaimed as he called out to Lilia.

“I understand. Ms. Molly, please stay in here with her highness. I will be right back.” Lilia softly said as she instructed to Ms. Molly.

On the left side of the Tarmac…

“Big sister, this way please.” Mr. Ciyan nervously said as Lilia approached him.

“Father?! Father! Thank goodness, you came back to your senses! Father?” Lilia exclaimed as she kneeled down on the ground and hugged Mr. Eiko.

“Lilia?! Darling? What happened? Where are we?” The confused Mr. Eiko said as he wondered and sat upright on the ground.

“Darling! We were so worried about you. What the heck happened to you?” Mrs. Azumi exclaimed as she asked her husband.

“To me?! The only thing that I can remember is Geno, Kaito and I were fighting those two huge, grizzly bears along that Hallway when that ‘Beast’ suddenly dispelled his strange fog and then – What else? Ah! I-I’m sorry but that’s it.” Mr. Eiko angrily said as he scratched his head.

“Everyone, Sir Eiko’s memories are a bit hazy probably because of that head injury he acquired after his encounter with that ‘Beast’. I assume that mysterious fox forcefully threw him away and got his head hit onto the wall and then after that, you Sir, fell down on the ground and lost your consciousness afterwards.” Mr. Ciyan said as he explained to the Yoshiyuki Family.

“That was what exactly happened, Sir Physician.” Mr. Kaito said as he sat upright on the ground, few meters beside the Yoshiyuki Family.

“Kaito?! Thank goodness, you are also alive. What the hell happened? How did we ended up in here?” Mr. Eiko exclaimed as he asked Mr. Kaito.

“Just like what Mr. Ciyan told us, we were both thrown away by those bears and then – Huh? Damn it. I also forgot what happened after that. Sorry.” Mr. Kaito said as he groaned and cursed out.

“To answer your second question, earlier this afternoon, Mr. George, along with Ms. Molly and Ms. Phoebe were on their way back from the ‘Central District’ when they immediately reported to me that they have found your lifeless bodies being dumped by those ‘Black Hounds’ outside the ‘Central Airport’. Butler George went out to chase those ‘Hounds’ but sadly, those vile ‘Living Fiends’ suddenly disappeared before he even managed to seize one of them.” Ms. Azumi said as he explained to everyone.

“I see. Thank you for telling me that, Lady Azumi – Hey Atsuki, could you please stop crying?” Mr. Kaito said as he gently tousled Atsuki’s hair.

“Mayumi, please get your little brother out of here.” Miko seriously said as he instructed to Mayumi.

“No! Big sister, get away from me! Big brother, please let me stay in here.” Atsuki said as he started wailing out onto his father’s chest.

“Mayumi is also in here?! W-Welcome back, Mayumi.” Mr. Kaito nervously said as he looked at Mayumi who flinched.

“I’m back, Father. I’m glad that you are also safe.” Mayumi cheerfully said as she smiled back her father.

“Atsuki, I’m done inspecting our aerostat so let’s get going – Aw! How dare you bit my right arm?!” Miko angrily said as he gently pulled his little brother away from Mr. Kaito.

“No! Get away from me! Big brother, I am staying in here.” Atsuki said as he insisted and shouted back at Miko.

“I see. Do whatever you like, damn brat!” Miko angrily said as he shouted back at Atsuki who flinched in fear.

“Miko! Please lower down your voice. You are scaring your little brother and we are not the only ones in here, remember?” Mr. Kaito seriously said as he reprimanded Miko.

“My apologies, Father. I’m so sorry for behaving like that, Lady Lilia.” Miko said as he apologized to Lady Lilia.

“No. Not at all. I, too, can understand you and your siblings’ feelings after seeing our fathers like this. Anyway, we should tell Eito about this.” Lilia said as she crossed her arms.

“Big sister, would you like me to head out and find him instead?” Mr. Ciyan said as he asked Lilia.

“I would love to but I will just summon him on my own. Aha! There they are. They are currently up in the air, cleaning the exterior, balloon-like part of our aerostat.” Lilia cheerfully said as she stood up from the ground and went out, searching for Eito.

“Lilia, where are you going? Lilia!” Mrs. Azumi said as she called out to Lilia.

“There you are, Eito! Quick, our Father has finally woke up! Hurry!” Lilia said as she shouted up at Eito who flinched in fear.

“Really? Wait! Are you certain of that – Eh?! Ah!” Eito exclaimed as he got startled, losing his control on his ‘Air Walking’ ‘Alementalian’ magic and immediately fell down on the ground.

“Ah! Lady Lilia, you are a naughty woman! Mr. Ciyan, please help us! Master Eito accidentally fell ten feet above the air and now groaning in pain on the ground.” Mr. George exclaimed as he panicked and called out for Mr. Ciyan.

“Oh my…I guess my Lilia is just alright.” Mrs. Azumi said as she giggled.

“Mother, I will be right back.” Mr. Ciyan said as he sighed in disbelief.

That night

‘Central Train Station’

Inside Train Platform #3…

Princess Faiye is seen waiting for Sammy, the ‘Ogre Child’ outside their train wagons.

“Damn it. I overslept and now look it is already ten minutes past seven in evening…Ah! Good evening, your highness.” Sammy said as he approached Princess Faiye.

“Good evening, Sammy – Ah! W-What the heck happened to your skin?” Princess Faiye exclaimed as she examined Sammy’s right arm.

“I-I do not know either, your highness. W-What the heck happened to yours?” Sammy exclaimed as he started panicking and asked Princess Faiye.

“Ah! Please help me, Sammy! Tonight, after I woke up, I went out of our train wagon and grabbed this bucket to use its water to wash my face when I got mortified looking at my own reflection.” Princess Faiye said as cried in front of Sammy.

“I-I see. I, too, were also wondering what happened to us. Your wings seems to be fine though.” Sammy said as he tells to Princess Faiye.

“You are right. Although, we may mysteriously returned to our Human forms, I still have my wings and these pointed ears but your horns got smaller, I guess.” Princess Faiye said as she examined Sammy’s head.

“You are right! Wait – No…No! Why?!” Sammy said as he shouted out in disbelief and started crying out on the ground.

“Oh my, there you are children. Good evening.” Queen Faeya said as she and Elder Elfie approached Faiye and Sammy.

“Mother! Welcome back and what the heck happened to you?!” Princess Faiye exclaimed as she ran and approached her mother.

“I see. This is good. Her Majesty’s strange enchantment has also nullified both of your ‘Cursed Marks’.” Queen Faeya said as she tousled Faiye’s hair.

“Her Majesty? Enchantment? What the heck happened while we were asleep few hours ago?” Princess Faiye exclaimed as she wondered.

“Nullified? Wait! Her highness is right! Everyone, look on my upper, right cheek mine has just disappeared.” Sammy said as he seized the bucket and examined his cheeks.

“Mine too. My ‘Mark’ has completely disappeared as well. How did that happened?” Princess Faiye said as she wondered.

“I will explain that later. For the meantime, Sammy, your mother is waiting for you back at the camping area.” Queen Faeya said as she tells to Sammy.

“Mother is also back? Mama!? Mother, I’m coming over there.” Sammy cheerfully said as he ran away and then approached Ms. Perisia.

“Milady, the ‘yellow faeries and elves’ and I are done arranging the final touches on those bouquets of flowers inside King Philip’s make-shift, wooden casket.” Elder Elfie said as he was carrying a small, woven basket onto his hands and then reported to Queen Faeya.

“I see. Thank you very much, Elder Elfie. Faeya, my child, would you be so kind to visit and try to at least console the others waiting for us inside the camping site?” Queen Faeya said as she asked Faeya who flinched in fear.

“Ah, yes. I almost forgot about that. I understand, Mother – Huh? Good evening, Felipe.” Princess Faiye sadly said as she looked at Felipe.

“Felipe?! I’m so sorry for waking you up. Here, let me just take your white blanket out of your head.” Queen Faeya nervously said as she gently grabbed the basket and looked at Felipe.

“Mama, big sister and Mr. Elchie…morning. Hm? Mama, what is a casket?” Felipe, the young ‘Elf Prince’, said as he yawned and innocently asked his mother.

“Y-Your highness?! W-Where did you heard that?” Elder Elfie nervously said as he approached Felipe.

“Uh?! My child, y-you will not probably understand this but – Ah! Faiye, please help me explain this to your little brother.” Queen Faeya nervously said as she flinched in fear.

“Hm? See that, little Felipe? A casket is like a decorated, big crate where our dead loved ones sleeps… forever.” Princess Faiye cheerfully said as he playfully pinched Felipe’s cheeks.

“Ah, I see! Earlier this afternoon, I was playing with those three ‘Black Hounds’ when I saw Mr. Elchie and the others putting some fresh flowers inside that thing. I got curious so I decided to sneak behind Mr. Elchie and took a peek inside that box. That cute bear must be tired and chose to sleep inside that casket.” Felipe cheerfully said as he tells to everyone.

“Ah! Faiye that is not what I meant. Elfie, please help me.” Queen Faeya nervously said as she started panicking and pleaded to Elder Elfie.

“My Prince, it is ‘Elfie’ not ‘Elchie’ and Milady, H-How about you ask her highness take the young ‘Elf Prince’ back to the camping site?” Elder Elfie said as he suggested to Queen Faeya.

“Y-You are right! Ahem! Faiye, please bring Felipe and his basket back to the camping site.” Queen Faeya said as she shoved the basket onto Faiye’s face.

“A-As you wish, Mother. Felipe, let’s go and help the others.” Princess Faiye said as she took the basket and then started flying away.

“Thank you, Faiye... Ah, curses! Where the heck did my daughter inherited that attitude?” Queen Faeya said as she groaned out.

“Milady? Please calm down and I think she inherited that to you.” Elder Elfie said as he crossed his arms, teasing Queen Faeya.

“Please just stop it. Anyway, where are those official documents that I have asked you to retrieve for me?” Queen Faeya said as she asked Elder Elfie.

“Ah, yes! I successfully retrieved those documents you asked me earlier. I hid those paper inside my pointed hat just in case.” Elder Elfie cheerfully said as he tells to Queen Faeya.

“I see. Thank you. I-I will not let my husband’s death be sullied like this. I will make sure that my daughter, Faeya will become the next ‘Iytheria’s Village Chief’ and – Uh? Elder Elfie, look up there! Is that a royal aerostat?” Queen Faeya exclaimed as she and Elder Elfie gazed up onto the night sky.

“I wonder where that aerostat is heading too.” Elder Elfie said as he scratched his head.

Two Hours Later

In ‘Wathyria’

Port of Cereza’s Shipyard…

Ms. Georgia is seen panicking as she runs inside the shipyard, searching for Mr. Ren and Mrs. Sally.

“Master, Milady! Where are you?” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she called out for her employers.

“Ms. Georgia! I’m over here. Over here!” Mrs. Sally cheerfully said as she noticed and responded to Ms. Georgia.

“There you are, Milady…Eh?! What are you doing inside that pirate ship?!” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she stopped across the wooden bridge situated inside the Shipyard.

“Ah! That same butler is back, again. Aya, please come with me while the other crew members stay in here and continue repairing this ship.” Ms. Antonia said as she summoned Ms. Aya towards her.

“I-I’m really sorry about this, Lady Antonia. I will be right back.” Mrs. Sally nervously said as she apologized to Ms. Antonia.

“No. Not at all. I guess this is something about that aerostat we saw flew passed above the ‘Village’ ten minutes ago.” Ms. Antonia said as she walked and jumped onto the wooden ledge of her ship.

“Do not tell me - I knew it! ‘Iytheria’s’ back-up ‘Aerial Fleet’ came back in here to salvage what is left on their destroyed main fleet inside out newly planted mangrove forest.” Ms. Aya angrily said as she crossed her arms.

“I see. Then, let’s get out of here and ask that butler personally.” Ms. Antonia cheerfully said as she suddenly jumped off the ship, followed by Ms. Aya.

“Wait – What?! They actually both jumped out of here. That mother and daughter tandem is so weird and reckless. Captain, I will just take this elevated, wooden plank instead.” Ms. Aya said as she sighed in disbelief.

Inside the wooden bridge…

“Lady Antonia – Ah! I mean Captain Antonia, Lady Aya, Good evening.” Ms. Georgia nervously said after Ms. Antonia and Ms. Aya safely landed behind her.

“Good evening, Ms. Georgina. It is been awhile since the last time I saw.” Ms. Antonia cheerfully said as she asked Ms. Georgia.

“Mother, Her name is ‘Georgia’ not ‘Georgina’. That name you have mentioned earlier is her eldest sister.” Ms. Aya said as she sighed in disbelief.

“I see. My apologies, Ms. Georgia. I forgot your name, again. ” Ms. Antonia cheerfully said as she scratched her head.

“No! Not at all, Ms. Captain. Anyway, do you happened to know or see my Master Ren went?” Ms. Georgia said as she asked Ms. Antonia.

“Oh? I see. That stupid Armada owner is currently repairing his main warship behind you and above us!” Ms. Antonia said as she shouted up in the air.

“You damn woman! Everyone, I will be right back. Darling, get out of my way!” Mr. Ren angrily said as run away and jumped off the ledge out of his warship.

“I have arrived, Captain… Eh! Nice landing, Dear.” Mrs. Sally exclaimed as she flinched beside Mr. Ren inside the bridge.

“Master, Milady, good evening. Please listen to me, ten minutes ago, the other house attendants and I has observed a suspicious ‘Iytherian’ Royal Aerostat flying above our ‘Village’.” Ms. Georgia said as she reported to the Hamasaki couple.

“Ah, yes. One of my crew also reported the same thing to me. What about it?” Mr. Ren seriously said as he asked Ms. Georgia.

“The bad news is this same aerostat has lost its control and crash landed inside our Estate! The villagers around your Estate and witnessed the accident has asked me to inform you about this while the other attendants went inside our backyard and started rescuing the survivors out of that burning aerostat.” Ms. Georgia said as she continues reporting to the couple.

“What?! Then, nobody is looking after my little Kenji. Kenji! I’m coming! Mother is going to save you.” Ms. Sally exclaimed as she started panicking and then ran away.

“Darling, please wait for us – Ah! Let’s go, Ms. Georgia.” Mr. Ren said as he panicked and then ran away, followed by Ms. Georgia.

“Then, Mother, I guess we should follow them – Uh? Mother, are you alright?” Ms. Aya said as she wondered and asked Ms. Antonia.

“An ‘Iytherian’ Royal Aerostat huh? Ah, yes! I’m sorry for spacing out. It is just that… your little sister, Annie is still not angry with me after I intentionally abandoned her and her Father.” Ms. Antonia sadly said as she scratched her head.

“Do not worry, Mother. I’m sure she is not. Now, let’s leave and assist the others.” Ms. Aya cheerfully said as she smiled back at her mother.

Hamasaki Estate

Inside their backyard…

Thirty minutes later, the Hamasaki couple, along with Ms. Georgia finally arrived inside their Estate.

“Master, Milady, over here! Over here.” Ms. Georgia nervously said as she called out the couple.

“Oh my, welcome back, Ms. Georgia.” Kazuki cheerfully said as he turned around and saw Ms. Georgia, standing behind him.

“Master Kazuki! Thank goodness, you are safe and welcome back.” The overjoyed Ms. Georgia said as she suddenly hugged Kazuki who blushed afterwards.

“Eh? I – I mean we are back. For starters, thanks to our other house attendants, we have managed to rescue and save Mr. Akito, Mr. Charlie and Lady Phoebe out of that burning aerostat. They are currently resting on the ground few meters away from here and inside our back garden. ” Kazuki said as he tells to Ms. Georgia.

“Then, I will also help you and Ms. Georgia in finding the other remaining survivors.” Mr. Ren said as he approached Kazuki and Kenji #2.

“Pa – I mean Father, we are back and what happened to your face?” Kazuki cheerfully said as he hugged his Father.

“Ah, these grease stains? I was helping Mr. Anderson and his crew in repairing the seventh warship from the last fleet when Ms. Georgia came back inside the Shipyard.” Mr. Ren said as he explained to Kazuki and Kenji #2.

“Father huh?... Your father?” Kenji #2 softly said as he gently nudged Kazuki’s right arm and asked him.

“Yes. Everyone, look. I managed to find Kenji’s Silhouette’ and he is currently standing behind me.” Kazuki said as he tells to Mr. Ren and Ms. Georgia.

“Huh? The ‘Beast of Shadow’ is the only one who can see those ‘Silhouettes’, Kazuki.” Mr. Ren cheerfully said as he tousled Kazuki’s hair.

“What? They cannot see you? But? That’s impossible – Whoa! That is indeed a loud explosion.” Kazuki exclaimed as he wondered.

“Everyone, look! Something flew out of that aerostat and currently now flying above us.” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she and the others gazed up in the night sky.

“Oh, Damn it. I forgot to tell you that Her Majesty and that ‘Cog Dragon’ are still trapped inside that huge, exploding balloon.” Kazuki nervously said as he smiled back at Ms. Georgia.

“What!? Wait! Her Majesty? Since when Prince Shouta came back in the Kingdom?! ” Mr. Ren exclaimed as he wondered.

“I see. Then, In order to save her Majesty, I will now run away and completely demolish that aerostat.” Ms. Georgia said as she took of her black coat and then gave it to Kazuki.

“That won’t be necessary, Ms. Butler.” ‘Ryo’ said as he carefully descend on the ground, carrying the unconscious Rai onto his strong arms.

“Unbelievable! This ‘Fireiyan’ has huge, scaled wings attached onto his back. Wait! I-It is the ‘Cog Dragon’! They literally and really exists.” Mr. Ren exclaimed as he carefully stepped back away from Kazuki.

“U-Uh? My bad, ‘Ryo’. I almost forgot you and her.” Kazuki nervously said as he flinches in fear.

“I recognize that Long Sword and that royal pendant…Her Majesty!?” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she approached ‘Ryo’ and Rai.

“Yes! Father, Ms. Georgia, this unconscious, little woman resting onto Mr. ‘Ryo’s arms is the newly crowned ‘Imperial Ruler’ and the 10th ‘Imperial Hero’ of ‘Alementalia’, Lady Rai Akimura of ‘Fireiya’.” Kazuki said as he introduced everyone to Rai.

“What?! Both ‘Imperial Ruler and Hero?!’ A-Are you certain of that, Kazuki?” Mr. Ren exclaimed as he stares at Rai.

“A-Amazing! But? She is way too young to rule over this Kingdom.” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she wondered.

“Uh? We are in the same age and I know but she is the only who can help Kenji. Now, please gently put her down on the ground and let me heal her wounded left arm.” Kazuki said as he instructed to ‘Ryo’.

“There you are! Your Majesty, please wake up! Your Majesty!” Ms. Phoebe exclaimed as she approached Rai on the ground.

“Do not worry, Lady Phoebe. Her Majesty is alright.” ‘Ryo’ said as he smiled back at Ms. Phoebe.

“But? It is my fault why her left arm got impaled with these multiple, glass shards. I was piloting the aerostat when the strange gust of wind from the Eastern Ocean blew us down and inside this Estate. I asked her to run out of the aerostat and save herself but, instead, she stubbornly did not listened to me and dragged me out of the cockpit, saving my life from that arson.” Ms. Phoebe sadly said as she started crying onto Rai’s chest.

“Lady Phoebe…I understand. Father, Ms. Georgia, could you please bring these injured civilians to the infirmary room inside the mansion? I will stay in here and help our fellow fire fighter on extinguishing that fire.” Kazuki said as he instructed to his father and Ms. Georgia.

“As you wish, Master Kazuki. But before that, Master Ren – Eh?” Ms. Georgia said as he wondered.

“That’s my boy! He acts and thinks impulsively just like me. I’m so proud of you!” Mr. Ren cheerfully said as he tousled Kazuki’s hair.

“Thank you very much, Father! As always, like what I have promised, I will not let you down.” Kazuki cheerfully said as he hugged his father.

“Mr. Ren! We are also in here to assist the others.” Ms. Aya exclaimed as she and Ms. Antonia arrived inside the back yard.

“I see. Thank you, Lady Aya. Kazuki is also helping the others at the right side of that burning aerostat.” Mr. Ren exclaimed as he carefully carried Mr. Akito onto his back.

“Hey – Kenji#2, right? Are you alright?” ‘Ryo’ softly said as he looked at Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’.

“I…do not…know.” Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’ said as he stares back at ‘Ryo’.

“Do not worry, everything will be fine. Please do try to believe in us especially on Her Majesty.” ‘Ryo’ cheerfully said as he smiled back at Kenji#2.

Hamasaki Family’s Main Mansion

Fifth floor

Inside their Infirmary room…

Few minutes later, Mr. Ren, along with Ms. Georgia finally managed to bring the five survivors inside their mansion.

“Welcome back, Darling.” Mr. Ren softly said as he opened the door for his wife.

“I’m back. I have managed to find these spare clothes of ours for them.” Mrs. Sally softly said as she went inside the room.

“You should have asked me to do that, Milady.” Mr. Georgia softly said as she approached Mrs. Sally.

“No. After that fight, we immediately left the house but, you, on the other hand, you still chose to stay in here and took care of our twin children while we are working back at the shipyard. This is the least thing that I can do for you.” Mrs. Sally said as she smiled back at Ms. Georgia.

“I’m ashamed to say this but my family do not deserve this kind of loyalty and devotion from you, Ms. Georgia.” Mr. Ren said as he scratched his head.

“No…I should be the one being grateful your family, Master. Truth to be told, I’m happy that Young Masters Kazuki and Kenji chose me as their butler even after overhearing that discreet information about my past working experiences under my ruthless, former employers. ” Ms. Georgia said as she smiled back at the Hamasaki Family.

“Oh! Now, I remember. While reading your resume before, you have mentioned that you once worked as a ‘Royal – Eh?! Dear? W-Where you taking me?” Mrs. Sally angrily said as she asked her husband.

“Darling, I-I think we should head downstairs and help Kazuki and Ms. Antonia’s team on extinguishing that fire or else your orchids’ greenhouse will be completely destroyed.” Mr. Ren said as he tells to his wife.

“Ah, yes. I forgot to visit my orchids this afternoon…Wait - What?! No!!!” Mrs. Sally exclaimed as she started panicking and then ran out of the room, followed by Mr. Ren.

“Sir Ren, I, thank you for letting me borrow this oversized loose shirt – Uh? Where did he go?” ‘Ryo’ said as he went out of the bathroom and wondered.

“The Hamasaki Couple ran out of the room to assist the others back at the burning garden.” Ms. Georgia softly said as she tells to ‘Ryo’.

“Ah, I see. How is Her Majesty?” ‘Ryo’ said as he and Ms. Georgia approached Rai’s bed.

“Do not worry, Mr. ‘Beast’. I have managed to take off those glass shards and bind her opened wounded with these bandages.” Ms. Georgia said as she sat on the wooden chair, placed on the left side of Rai’s bed.

‘Imperial Hero’

Thy hear my plea

Please guide me

Back home.’

“Huh? Another dream? Or was it a horrible nightmare? Where am I?” Rai softly said as she slowly woke up inside her bed.

“H-How did you know that – Wait…Your Majesty! Thank goodness, you are finally awake.” ‘Ryo’ exclaimed as he approached Rai.

“’Ryo’? Where are we?” Rai said as she sat upright on her bed and wondered.

“Good evening, your Majesty. I’m Ms. Georgia from ‘Aethyria’, the Head Butler of the Hamasaki Family and I welcome you to ‘Wathyria’.” Ms. Georgia politely said as she kneeled down on the tiled floor.

“I-I see. We finally arrived and please raise your head, Butler Georgia.” Rai nervously said as she immediately jumped off her bed.

“I understand, your Majesty. Ah, yes. These are your spare clothes.” Mr. Georgia cheerfully said as she looked at Rai.

“Ms. Georgia was one of the rescuers who saved us and took care of your injured, left arm, your Majesty.” ‘Ryo’ said as he tells to Rai.

“Oh my! Then, thank you very much, Lady Georgia. And have we met somewhere else before?” Rai cheerfully said as she wondered.

“No, your Majesty. You were probably thinking of my other two siblings, Georgina, who are currently working under the Hashimoto Family and my little brother, George, being employed by the Yoshiyuki Family.” Ms. Georgia said as she explained to Rai.

“I see. Then, Ms. Butler, truth to be told, ‘Ryo’ and I came in here to take this poor ‘Silhouette’ back to Sir Kenji. Do you happen to know where did the Hamasaki Couple kept his lifeless corpse?” Rai seriously said as she asked Ms. Georgia who flinched in fear.

“Y-Yes! I do know where I preserved Master Kenji’s corpse, your Majesty. Would you like me to guide you to the twins’ room?” Ms. Georgia said as she asked Rai.

“Yes, please do.” Rai said as she opened the door for Ms. Georgia.

Fourth Floor

Inside the Twins’ Room…

“Your Majesty, we are here.” Ms. Georgia softly said as she went inside the room, followed by Rai, ‘Ryo’ and Kenji#2.

“Look, there he is. I’m astonished how well-preserved this corpse is.” Rai softly said as she examined Kenji’s corpse.

“This guy can be perceived as someone asleep inside his bed but he is actually dead…not for long.” ‘Ryo’ cheerfully said as he looked at Kenji#2.

“Thank you, your Majesty. Preserving corpses is one of the abilities, I and my fellow ‘Executioners’ have acquired throughout the years of working inside the ‘Underground Prison’.” Ms. Georgia said as she gently closed the door.

“‘Executioners’ huh? Anyway, let’s do this for real. ‘Ryo’, have you already memorized my new ‘Nullifying Enchantment?” Rai said as she crossed her arms and asked ‘Ryo’.

“Yes, of course, your Majesty! I have already memorized that even before we crash landed inside this Estate. Hey – could you also lay down beside this guy inside his bed?” ‘Ryo’ said as he asked Kenji#2.

Kenji#2 immediately nodded as this ‘Silhouette’ grabbed the blanket and laid down beside Kenji’s corpse.

“Now, let’s start the ceremony – Uh? Is there something wrong, ‘Ryo’?” Rai said as he wondered.

“No. I’m just thrilled to witness how mad you and Ms. Author are.” ‘Ryo’ said as he smirked back at Rai.

“I see. Remember what I said before. I will become the first ‘Imperial Ruler and Hero’ that conquered the impossible, even if it is defying death itself.” Rai seriously said as she seized ‘Ryo’s left hand.

“Death? Your Majesty, what are you trying to do?” Ms. Georgia exclaimed as she flinched in fear.

‘I, the ‘Catalyst’ & ‘Cog Dragon’,

Hereby heard your plea,

Within the abilities given to us,

Undo his ‘Cursed Mark‘

And transfer & reset the time

He & She lost to thee!’

Rai and ‘Ryo’ both said as they began enchanting each of their own ‘Nullifying Enchantment.

Somewhere in ‘Alementalia’

‘Abyssal Plateau’

Inside an Abandoned Manor…

‘Milo’ and ‘Ella’ Silhouettes’ are seen playing with their wooden recorders inside the Hallway.

“Children, quick! Have you seen Lady ‘Flora’?” ‘Ches’ exclaimed as he approached ‘Milo’ and ‘Ella’.

“No, we have not, Mr. ‘Beast’. I’m sorry.” ‘Milo’s ‘Silhouette’ said as he gazed up to ‘Ches.’

“Damn it. Thank you anyway. I cannot believe that those two actually went to ‘Wathyria’ and successfully executed their plan.” ‘Ches’ said as he groaned in disbelief.

“You also felt that huh? We are back everyone and I’m sad to say that Sir Kenji’s ‘Silhouette’ has just passed away, again.” ‘Flora’ said as she went upstairs and noticed ‘Ches’ group.

Thank you very much for waiting. Sorry for the late update. Anyway, Here is Chapter IV and enjoy reading. Will try to update this/next week so stay tuned. – Cheche – chan.